![Ezekiel Elliott has been granted a temporary restraining order by a federal judge. [Image via Wikimedia Commons]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2017/9/8/660x290/b_502x220x82/photo-credit-wikimediayoutube_1558089.jpg "Ezekiel Elliott has been granted a temporary restraining order by a federal judge. [Image via Wikimedia Commons]")
Ezekiel Elliott plans on playing a full season with the Dallas Cowboys after a federal judge granted him a temporary restraining order against a pending six-game suspension. Texas Judge, Amos Mazzant, ruled Friday evening on whether the running back would receive a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction following disciplinary measures by the National Football League.
Since Elliott has now been granted the motion, he will be allowed to play in this Sunday's season opener against the New York Giants. If the judge had ruled differently, Elliott and the NFL Players Association would have then had to appeal for an immediate stay with the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
What happens now?
The NFL announced early last month that Elliott would be suspended for six games after the player was accused of causing physical injury to his former girlfriend on three occasions in July 2016. Elliott still maintains his innocence despite the league finding him guilty. The court system was Elliott's last hope to fight the discipline after his appeal was rejected on Tuesday by an arbitrator.
Brady comparisons drift into conversation
The whole debacle, though different in nature, is reminiscent of the infamous "Deflategate,' which involved New Englands quarterback superstar Tom Brady. Spectators were quick to draw conclusions after Brady lost his very own battle against a multi-game suspension while in a federal appears court.
Elliott is, in fact, using the very same lawyer who took on Brady's case. The two high-profile cases both involve the players accusing the NFL of failing to provide evidence.
Now that Elliott is granted a temporary restraining order, he is able to dodge his suspension for a few weeks until a court hearing decides whether he should receive an injunction.
The NFL will allow Elliott to play in the Sunday game, but his fate for the rest of the season is up in the air. It's also noteworthy to mention that the accuser will not be appearing in court, which lawyers have tried to use to Elliott's advantage. Her statements are the driving evidence behind the allegations against Elliott, and those familiar with her account of the events say the private testimony is powerful.
Some, who are siding with the player, suggest that an orchestrated conspiracy has ripped ethical fairness away. The judge's decision allows Elliott to remain active until the legal process is completed.
